Sunday, June 1, 2008

Holding Hands

When we first moved to this town about four years ago, Sweet Girl did not officially have a diagnosis. We got the Rett Syndrome diagnosis a few weeks later. Just looking at her, it wasn't immediately obvious that something was "wrong." She seemed to be a little toddler who like to be carried. Many people didn't realize that she couldn't walk.

In the fall of that first year our family attended our oldest son's open house at the elementary school. Everyone (students, parents, siblings) was crammed into the cafeteria to listen to the principal. I don't remember if I was holding Sweet Girl or she was in her stroller. I just remember that suddenly a little girl in a wheelchair had turned around and grabbed Sweet Girl's hand. She just sat there and held her hand.

The simple little gesture brought tears to my eyes. It still does. I remember thinking, "That little girl knows that my little girl is special - even if nobody else does." This period of time was very difficult for me. We lived in a new place, we were trying to accept that our Sweet Girl would never be "normal", trying to make life as "normal" as possible for our two sons....I cried lots of tears during this time.

Only this night they were tears of joy. Tears of acceptance. Someone understood. Someone wanted to hold my little girl's hand.

That girl who reached out to my daughter was in 1st grade at the time. This year she was a fourth grader and Sweet Girl was in kindergarten at the same school. And guess what? Anytime they passed eachother in the hall, that girl would reach out her hand to my Sweet Girl. The picture above was a common scene. (My Sweet Girl is on the right.) I'm so glad I have a photo for remembrance. The two girls said goodbye for probably the last time on Friday. She moves on to 5th grade. We move on to a new town. I hope there is someone in that new town to hold my girl's hand.

{"You hold strength and power in the palm of your hand to build up and strengthen all. And here we are, O God, our God, giving thanks to you, praising your splendid Name." I Chronicles 29:11}

What a special pic and one you'll cherish. I'm sure God is planning just the right friend to hold Sweet Girl's hand. He always does.I'm praying that He'll find a special friend to hold your hand too. Miss you already!

Vanessa - I pray that your little Sweet Girl will find a special person to hold her hand in your new town. How knowing and how wise are the children - people don't give them alot of credit sometimes, but we would be wise to listen, watch and learn from them. Thanks for stopping by with your sweet comment! Vickie